Governor Kelly Armstrong | North Dakota State Executive - Tax Commissioner
Governor Kelly Armstrong | North Dakota State Executive - Tax Commissioner
Gov. Kelly Armstrong has declared September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in North Dakota. In response, Parents Lead, in partnership with North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) suicide prevention and school behavioral health experts, has introduced a new Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit for Schools. The toolkit aims to provide educators, staff, and administrators with practical resources to identify students at risk, respond effectively, and support families.
Data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that 10.8% of middle school students and 7.4% of high school students in North Dakota reported attempting suicide within the past year. Suicide is currently the second-leading cause of death among youth ages 10 to 19 in the state.
The toolkit is intended to address these concerns by offering evidence-based strategies for prevention, tools for recognizing warning signs, and guidance on connecting students and families with assistance.
“Schools are on the front lines of supporting youth mental health,” said Sara Kapp, HHS behavioral health program administrator. “The guidance and care educators provide create safe spaces where students feel seen, heard and valued. This toolkit provides school staff with the tools to build supportive environments where every student feels connected. Prevention starts with connection.”
Included in the Parents Lead Suicide Prevention and Response Toolkit are resources such as posters, handouts, conversation guides, crisis response tools like model policies and safety plan templates, postvention guidance, awareness materials about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline—which offers free confidential support around the clock—and training opportunities for staff.
“While the new toolkit equips schools with resources year-round, 988 offers immediate, 24/7 support for anyone in crisis—because no one should ever feel alone when they’re struggling,” said Melissa Markegard, HHS suicide prevention administrator.
By implementing this toolkit and utilizing services like 988, schools can promote a culture of awareness and care while providing practical strategies for prevention.
“With practical strategies linked to key risk factors, this toolkit provides schools and families with the tools they need for prevention and support,” said Principal Russ Riehl of Simle Middle School in Bismarck. “It is a critical step toward creating safe, supportive, and thriving school communities. Together we can help our young people through some of the vast challenges facing today's youth.”
Parents Lead is an evidence-based program offering parents resources to foster a safe environment that supports behavioral health. The new toolkit is available at parentslead.org.
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